A 21-year-old female firefighter fell four stories to her death at a party celebrating her academy graduation. According to a statement from DC Fire and EMS, probationary firefighter Sadia D. Williams passed away on Sunday, August 24.
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Young Female Firefighter Dies From 4-Story Fall While Celebrating Graduation
“It is with deep sorrow that the DC Fire and EMS Department announces the tragic and unexpected loss of Probationary Firefighter Sadia D. Williams,” it said. Williams was a “proud graduate” of Cadet Class 27 who fell from a Northeast D.C. building on the 700 block of 16th Street, per News4.
On Friday, August 22, Williams graduated, the same day she fell. Emergency services transported her to a local hospital, where they pronounced her dead two days later.
“Probationary Firefighter Williams was soon to begin her public service at Engine Company 13, in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood,” the statement continued.
According to Fox 5, Williams was allegedly celebrating graduation with other cadets in a four-story townhouse. She reportedly fell from the building’s rooftop around 1 AM local time. This is despite the fact that the rooftop is surrounded by metal fencing.
Although D.C. police don’t believe any foul play was involved, they are still investigating the incident.
Witnesses React To Tragic Death
The outlet then spoke with a woman who lived nearby and witnessed the aftermath of the fall. “It’s sad because even seeing online, this young lady had a promising future and now it’s gone,” said the neighbor.
D.C. resident Terrel Wilson also told Fox 5 how tragic the situation was. “To lose your life so early and haven’t even gotten a chance to truly find out who you are, what is you’re calling in this life, what else you can do in this world? It’s truly tragic,” he said.
“I have family who are firefighters as well and they go through so much that they deserve to be praised and someone who wants to be a part of that, wants to go in and every day risk their lives to save someone else, it’s a beautiful thing.”
DC Fire and EMS continued to praise Williams for her terrific work as a firefighter. “Probationary Firefighter Williams was a dedicated employee, a rising professional, and a bright presence within our organization,” it said.
“Throughout her training at the DC Fire and EMS Training Academy, she displayed strength, commitment, and the promise of a meaningful career in public service. The Department extends its deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all who served with her, and is working closely with her family during this unimaginable time.”